Month: April 2022

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Thursday, April 21, 2022) – Annapolis Pride – the local non-profit organization that is creating a friendly, inclusive, and vibrant community where all people can thrive – is seeking four new board members.

The active board, made up of fifteen volunteers representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, works to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, engage local residents, businesses, and groups to unite in welcoming and embracing diversity in Annapolis. Founded in 2018, Annapolis Pride has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments on behalf of the LQBTQ+ community in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

We are seeking new individuals who will help us build our capacity to do more in the community and expand our impact through advocacy and community engagement,” said Board Chair Joe Toolan.

Applications and nominations are sought for four board positions which will begin in October 2022. Board members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for an additional three-year term. Annapolis Pride is committed to building a multicultural and anti-racist organization whose board is representative of the communities we serve. As such, Toolan said, we strongly encourage applications from transgender, Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.

Each board member is expected to serve on at least one committee and to attend monthly board meetings, which are held online with the goal of returning to in-person meetings in the Annapolis area as it becomes safe to do so. A summary of board member expectations and qualifications can be found on the organization’s website.

For the upcoming term, the board is seeking volunteers to lead the following committees: advocacy, fundraising/development, and parade and festival. We’re also looking for volunteers for the 2022 Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival on June 4. Learn more about the event and the organization at AnnapolisPride.org.

If you are interested in serving, or would like to nominate someone to serve, please complete the expression of interest form found online.

Applications and nominations will be reviewed beginning in mid-May, and interviews will be conducted in mid-June. New members will be recommended to the Board for approval in Aug. 2022. The term will begin on Oct. 1, 2022 and end on Sept. 30, 2025.

For More Information Contact:

Joe Toolan
Annapolis Pride, Inc.
Email: Jo*@************de.org
Phone: 443-713-9026 (mobile)

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 19, 2022) – For the first time, a non-binary option will be available for runner registration at the Annapolis 10 Mile Run. The 10-mile foot race, scheduled to be held on Sunday, August 28, at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, is organized by the Annapolis Striders, Inc., an all volunteer, nonprofit and one of the largest running clubs in Maryland. Established in 1978, the striders promote physical fitness and mental well-being through distance running.

The Annapolis 10 Mile Run is excited to be one of the first races in the country to fully include nonbinary runners,” said co-race director Rose Dziedzic. “We strive to be a race where all runners are included to challenge themselves on the best course in Annapolis.”

A few other races have begun to offer the option around the county and in November 2021, Zackary Harris became the first ever non-binary division winner in the New York City marathon’s 50- year history. Division regulations require that there be a minimum number of registrants in the category in order for the results to be official in the runners’ stats and so Annapolis Striders is working with Annapolis Pride to help promote the event.

Annapolis Pride is thrilled that the Annapolis Striders have added a non-binary option on their registration form, said Joe Toolan, board chair of Annapolis Pride. “Representation is so important for our non-binary and gender nonconforming family, and with an event as large as the 10 mile run, this option finally allows members of our community to register and feel seen, but representation does not stop there. Our hope is that this is a step in the right direction for the physical and mental wellbeing of non-binary and gender non-conforming runners, not only here in Annapolis, but for the running community as a whole.”

With its beautiful run through historic Annapolis and over the Severn River, the race has been listed as one of the top ten 10-mile races in the country by Runner’s World Magazine. The event draws between 3,500-4,000 athletes, about half of those travel from outside Maryland to come specifically for the event. The race has been selected as the RRCA Maryland 10 Mile Championship twice (2016, 2018) and the RRCA Eastern Region 10 Mile Championship twice (2017, 2020)

You may register online at the Annapolis Striders website at www.annapolisstriders.org.

For More Information Contact:

Rose Dziedzic, Annapolis Striders
Email: ro**@***************rs.org
Phone: 314-805-1057 (mobile)